Remembrance Day Hours 2023

Our hours today are from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm. 

NEW SPRING/SUMMER PATTERNS AND KITS 2022

 Our staff have been busy creating some new patterns and kits in both knit and crochet. 
Cayleigh's Beach Cruiser Shawl is crocheted with an ombre ribbon yarn on an 8mm hook. A great quick weekend project you can wear all summer long. Available in the 4 colours below (shown in blue). Kit price 29$:

Shirley's Sea Storm Shawl is knit with one ball of ultra soft superkid mohair and silk blend with a gentle colour shift (shown in greys).  It's light as a feather with the perfect touch of coziness. Available in 3 colours. Kit price 37$: 

Shirley' Ribbed Beanies can be made in any aran/ worsted weight yarn and make great gifts. It's never too early to start those Holiday projects! Show in extra smooth self striping superwash merino yarns from Lang (shown in greens) and Urth (shown in blue and gold) in an array of rich colours. Kit Price: $32 (Lang) $37(Urth)

All yarns and patterns featured are available for individual purchase in store as well. Needles/hooks not included in kit prices. 

Welcome back

 Welcome back. We are now fully open to browsing. Come in and discover all the exciting yarns and patterns. There are lots of new sale prices as we make room for fall stock that will arrive throughout the summer.

Our large airy store is lovely and cool, and surfaces are cleaned regularly. Staff is now fully vaccinated and we are always here with helpful advice.

Our store hours are Tues-Sat 10am- 4pm

Masks are still required by all staff and customers. Let’s keep each other safe.

Thank you to everyone who supported us for the past year. It was our 50th year in business! We look forward to many more.

New Spring Sock Yarns 2021

We have received several shipments of new spring yarns, featuring all new qualities and colours of sock yarn. All these yarns are soft, durable, washable and great for socks, shawls or baby garments. 

New fabulous colours in Lang Supersoxx. 100 grams 75% Wool 25% Nylon. A wonderful all season yarn. 

A new yarn from Pro Lana, Alicante, is a perfect Spring/Summer sock yarn that includes stretch. They are 100 grams and made up of 41% Cotton, 39% Wool, 13% Polyamide, 7% Elite Stretch. Feels like a cotton but with the strength and durability of a traditional sock yarn.

Back in stock, the very popular Sock Twin from Estelle. Two identical 50 gram balls of 75% Wool 25% Nylon make a perfectly matching ombré pair of socks. 

For those looking for a completely wool free sock yarn/4ply fingering, we have all new and returning favourite colours in Universal's Bamboo Pop Sock. So soft and comfortable to wear. 

Knitting and Crochet Project Ideas For Spring/Summer

Just because the snow is gone here in Calgary, doesn't mean knitters put their needles away. Here are some fresh ideas for projects to knit or crochet on the deck in the backyard with a cold drink as we look forward to better days ahead.

Warmer weather always inspires us to knit with bright vibrant colours. Made with just one ball of Noro's Taiyo Sport, a beautiful silk/cotton/wool blend from Japan, this light weight cowl is the perfect way to try the entrelac stitch for the first time. A selection of the colours available pictured below. 

Knit this simple child sweater or tee in Sirdar's Snuggly Replay DK, a soft machine washable cotton blend with none of the stiffness of a traditional cotton yarn.  Sizes 3 -7 years.  Colours available pictured below.

Nothing says spring/summer like a sundress. Knit this one in Berroco's Modern Cotton, a lovely rayon/cotton blend available in a rich array of colours. This adorable pattern is knit top down in one piece with no seams and is available in sizes 2-8 years. Choose from the vibrant colours pictured below.

Cake yarns are fun because they make a beautiful ombré, the next colour is always just a few rows away. Katia's Concept Silk Degradé, a cool silk/cotton/viscose blend, comes in soft beachy colours and with either of the following two patterns. They are free with the purchase of this yarn and take just one ball: a simple knit shawl or a cute crocheted ponchette. Colours available pictured bellow. 

New Accessory line!

 Just in time for Christmas, we have the brand new Mindful line from Knitter’s Pride. It features new stainless steel interchangeable sets, birch wood darning needle sets, 100 pieces marker sets, knit blockers and sterling needle gauges. The needle sets features  new enhanced cords with steel centres and both fixed and swivelling heads. The perfect gift for knitters, or a nice treat for yourself.

Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts for Knitters

Here are some fun ideas for last minute Mother's Day gift for the knitters in your life, (or maybe for a nice just because gift to cheer someone up).
Some ideas include a yarn swift and winder, a wooden yarn bowl, an antimicrobial hemp market bag/ dishcloth kit, a birchwood shawl pin or a Bloom Shawl kit in a pretty spring colour.
(all pictured here).
Of course, we also always have gift certificates available in any denomination.

Summer Kits with New Yarns

Just before the world turned upside down, we had received some of our new spring yarns. Here are some of the kits we currently have available for curbside pickup and mail order:
WOOL ADDICTS:
Simply Shine Cardigan in Sunshine:
Knit all in one piece, this extremely simple summer shrug is perfect for mindless knitting in the garden. 100% Organic Cotton. Available in White, Mango and Violet.

Pure Pleasure T-shirt and Better Beloved Cardi in Liberty:
Perhaps the softest summer yarn we've ever have (it feels like knitting with a cloud), this bubbly 100% pima cotton bulky can be knit up in a flash into a top or a cardi. Available in Violet, White, Mango or Mint

Now Open Sundays

Attention Sunday shoppers! We are back to regular hours until the May long weekend. Shop weekdays from 10-5.30 and Sundays from 11am-4pm. (closed all stat holidays)
Be the first to see the new fall yarns.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We will be open on Saturday, regular hours and closed on Sunday October 6 and Monday October 7. Hope you enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Back to regular hours on Tuesday

Remembrance Day Hours 2017

Remembrance Day hours:

11:30 AM until 5:30 PM

New Free Patterns To Knit Up Quick

Need some ASAP holiday gift idea? Want a project you can accomplish in one evening without giving yourself carpal tunnel?  Check out these quick knits:

Click here for the pattern for our new Lonely Cable Cowl




















Click here for the pattern for The Super Bulky Button Hat

Click here for "Alfalfa" our free 2 needle superbulky hat pattern

Malabrigo Month!

This month we are celebrating Mal Month – the yearly celebration of all things Malabrigo. This time of year, tens of thousands of knitters cast on using the amazingly soft and delightfully handpainted yarns from Malabrigo. At Gina Brown’s, we love Malabrigo and carry almost all of their yarns – from their lace weight ; to their super bulky, Rasta.

 Here are a few of our favorite Malabrigo patterns designed by the staff at Gina Brown’s:

Ropes Cowl by Kristina Larson

This ever popular cowl is a great accessory for the transitition into warmer weather. Knit from Rasta in Piedras, this cowl knits up extra fast on 12mm double point needles!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here's a quick little knit for your loved ones!

 

A Wee Bit of Love

by Sarah Grieve

Materials:

Katia Espiga – 1 Ball 50 % Cotton, 50% Acrylic, 121 meters/ 50 gram Ball

Or: Any Double Knit Cotton – 15 yards

3.5mm/US4 80 cm Circular Knitting Needle (for working magic loop)

                      

Gauge: 24 sts = 4"/10cm

Size: 1.5" tall x 2" wide

Instructions:

Cast on 4 sts. Join evenly in the round making sure not to twist stitches.
Round 1: Knit.

Round 2 (Increase Row): *K1, M1, knit to end of 1st needle.M1, K1. Repeat from * for second needle.

Round 3: Knit.

Repeat the last 2 rows until there are 32 sts total.

Next Row (Dividing Row): Knit 8 sts. Slide the next 16 sts onto waste yarn. Knit remaining last 8 sts. When working magic loop, each needle will have 8 sts.

Next Round: Knit.

Top of Right Heart Shaping:

Round 1: Sl1, K1, PSSO, K2, K2tog, Sl1, K1, PSSO, K2, K2tog.

Round 2: Knit.

Repeat Round 1 & 2, once more.

Using the kitchener stitch, fasten off.

Stuff heart with filling before starting to knit other side. 

Top of Left Heart Shaping: 

Redistribute 16 stitches from waste yarn onto needles. When working magic loop, each needle will have 8 sts.

Next Round: Knit.

Round 1: Sl1, K1, PSSO, K2, K2tog, Sl1, K1, PSSO, K2, K2tog.

Round 2: Knit.

Repeat Round 1 & 2, once more.

Using the kitchener stitch, fasten off.

Enjoy!

New Free Pattern! Eliza

Here is our new pattern for a tiny top down cardi/vest, named after its very wiggly sweater model, Eliza. It was made up in super soft super bulky. Malabrigo Rasta or Twinkle Soft Chunky work best. This makes a great baby/toddler gift you can whip up at the last minute. Enjoy! click here for pattern

Knit a Spring Cowl in BamBoo

Knit this reversible mobius cowl with two balls of Cotton Bam Boo by Classic Elite Yarns. It is worked in two sections with a unique stitch that is textured horizontally and lacey vertically. Choose from 6 self patterning colourways. Great for the office or a cool spring day1

Ropes Cowl

Materials:

12mm dpns (set of 4 or 5)

1 Hank Malabrigo Rasta

five small stitch holders, or large safety pins

three 1-1.5 " buttons

darning needle

k=knit

k2tog= knit 2 together

m1= make 1 by lifting the bar between two stitches onto the left hand needle, then knit this bar through the back.

i-cord= using 2 dpns: with 4 sts on needle, knit side facing and yarn attached at left side of work, insert right needle into 1st stitch on left hand needle (note: this is the opposite side to where the yarn is attached). **Knit 4 stitches, pulling yarn very tight for first stitch. DO NOT TURN WORK AROUND. Slide stitches so that the knit side is facing and the yarn is attached to stitch on the far left side of the left hand needle. Repeat this process from** , tugging on the cord as it grows every few inches. Youtube is also a great visual aid if you need help making the i-cords(click here for video by Judy).

Pattern:

With 12 mm cast on 15 sts.

Knit 4 rows

Begin i-cords:

***k3, m1. place remaining stitches on holder.

using these four stitches , work in i-cord for 22"

place i-cord stitches on holder (safety pins work well), break yarn.

Place next 3 stitches from original holder onto needle.Re-attach yarn to these 3 stitches and repeat the process from ***, making each cord 3.5" longer than the previous one.

Once you have five cords, place all the stitches from these 5 cords onto one needle, insuring cords aren't twisted.

K3, k2together, k2, k2together, k2, k2together, k2, k2together, k3.

All cords should now be joined by the k2togethers of last row.

Knit in garter stitch until yarn is almost used up. (2-10 rows)

Cast off.

Sew 3 buttons to the smaller of the garter stitch band. Push buttons through fabric of other band to close.

Weave in all ends. (Stuffing them down the icord centres is a good way to hide them :).)

New Sublime Silks

Here are two new yarns from Sublime that are perfect for summer knitting.

This easy sweater with bracelet sleeve and cowl neck will be a great addition to your summer wardrobe. The sample is currently on display in pink  Other colours include cream, taupe, mint and blue. We love Tussah Silk's two tone effect, shiny and mat, from the combination of the two fibers, silk and rayon.

Here is a blankie that is super easy and super soft in Sublime's new Baby Silk Bamboo. It's sure to become baby's favorite thing.

Happy Mother's Day

Drop by the store this weekend for a lovely gift for Mom. We are featuring our knitting bags and the new shipment of dellaQ silk accessories at 10% off. If you buy it for yourself we won't tell!

Louisa Harding Spring 2011

The snow is starting to melt and spring yarns are arriving daily.Here are two from Louisa Harding

Her new yarn Ianthe is a blend of half cotton and half merino wool.  It knits to a standard DK guage and has a lovely drape.
The cardi is knit in her new Ondine. It is a soft 100%  cotton in tonal marled colors. Discover the feminine look of Louisa Harding- a perfect look for spring

New Free Pattern! Cable Cowl

Cable Cowl
By Kristina Larson


Materials:
Long Version: (shown in white)
200 grams (approx. 200 meters) of Baby Alpaca Sport

Short Version:(shown in blue)
100 grams (approx. 160 meters) of Alta-Moda Cashmere

Needles: 1 pair 8mm needles or needle required to obtain tension.

1 cable needle.

Buttons: 4 Buttons, 0.5-0.75 " in diameter

Tension: 12 stitches = 4 inches in stocking stitch

Abbreviations:

K= Knit
P= Purl
TBL: insert needle through the back of the loop (stitch)

C20Back= Slip next 10 stitches onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next 10 stitches from left hand needle, knit 10 stitches from cable needle.

C20Front: Slip next 10 stitches onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit next 10 stitches from left hand needle, knit 10 stitches from cable needle.



Cowl:

With 8 mm needles, cast on 34 stitches

Row 1: Slip 1 TBL, Knit to end of row
Row 2: Slip 1 TBL, Purl to end of row

Repeat rows 1&2 4 times more (10 rows have been worked), these rows set the Stocking stitch pattern with slipped-stitch edge for all non- cable rows.

*Next Row:
Slip 1 TBL, K 1, C20Back, K 12

Work 9 rows in stocking stitch with slipped-stitch edge

Next Row:
Slip 1 TBL, K 11, C20Front, K 2

Work 9 rows in stocking stitch with slipped-stitch edge

Repeat these 20 rows from * until desired length. The short cowl is meant to loop around the neck only once and should measure 25-30". The long cowl is meant to hang long or be looped around twice and should measure about 56".

Cast off.

Sew 4 buttons evenly spaced to cast on edge. Button to cast off edge.

(Alternatively, the cowl can be sewn shut.)

KNIT A VEST THIS FALL

Here are two easy vests from Sirdar with yarns that are new for Fall 2010. The Connemara vest is a chunky yarn with a multi colored tweed in a blend of wool and acrylic. The style is very current with a funnel neck and boxy shape. The Indie vest is a bulky yarn, with colours that self stripe randomly.It's a classic V- neck jacket stlyle vest with a single feature button.Choose one of our many big buttons from all over the world. Both are quick to knit on big needles and fun to wear!

So Much Yarn- Such a Good Price

Our trip to Toronto for fall buying included a raid of our suppliers warehouse for bargains. Our sale wall is now full of  amazing yarns. There are kid mohairs, baby alpacas,  pure cashmeres and lots of novelty yarns and ribbons. Most are available in quantities of 20 balls.  Brands include Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Phildar, Queensland and more.
This cute bolero is from Debbie Bliss in her Cashmerino Chunky- now more than 20 % off. We also have a cute baby jacket pattern in this yarn. Drop by soon and get the best selections.

Spring Yarns are Here

There may be snow on the ground, but you can be ready for spring with fresh new knits from all our major brands. This cute cardi features feminine ruffles and an asymetric neck line- from Nora Gaughin's latest book. Knit with Seduce Color from Berroco. Other new spring Berroco yarn includes Origami, Pima Cotton and Blackstone Tweed. Vintage will be here soon as well as new yarn and books from Katia and Debbie Bliss!
Need help with your new project? Why not sign up for Pick Your Project, our four week class on Wednesday or Thursday evenings.

COZY NECK WARMERS

This year's cowls and neck warmers are the new scarves. Knit one with a chunky yarn and embellish with a fabulous button. This one is a kit "Coco" from Fleece Artist and designed by Perl Grey. The yarn is a soft blend of wool and silk available in lots of lovely hand dyed color ways and all for under $30

New "Fez" Yarn by Debbie Bliss

This shoulder Shrug is perfect for cool fall weather or worn over your coat when it's really cold.
The yarn, Fez, is a blend of merino wool and camel- soft with great body. Drop by and check out all the new fall yarns. To make room, the sale wall is now full of new bargains.

New from Arucania

This sweater is knit in "Panguipulli" from Arucania - a hand dyed and tweedy chunky yarn in the most yummy colourways. There are several great patterns in the new design book #3 by Jenny Watson, and all are current and stylish. This pure merino is super soft with great yardage. We love it and so will you!

New Fall Yarns

New yarns are arriving every day. This sweater is one of our favorites- knit in Persia by Sirdar.The yarn is a soft boucle in a good range of colours. We have the model on display, closed with a leaf shape shawl pin by Perl Grey.
Other new display sweaters by Sirdar are in the new Crofter Chunky and Escape Chunky. The designs are modern and wearable and the yarns are easy care and affordable. Drop by soon while all colours are still in good supply.

Attention Twitter Knitters

As you can probably tell from the feed box on the right, Gina Brown's is now on twitter! Look for updates from me and the staff on when new stock arrives, new classes and class times and all other things yarn related.

Happy Knitting

Diana

Fuzzy Caterpillar Scarf

Here is a fun knitting project that's a big hit this year. The yarn looks like multi coloured caterpillars with a few inches of yarn in between. You knit a total of eight stitches with fine needles, only on the yarn part and the "caterpillars" line up. Drop by and we'll show you how!

New Beginner Knitting Class for April has been added on Thursday evenings.
Call for details 403-255-2200

Kureyon Sock Yarn is Here

It's finally here- the new sock yarn from Noro, and we have all 12 colours! Just like the ever popular Kureyon, this yarn features rich blends of self striping colours with the added strength of a bit of nylon in a new standard sock weight. Each 100 gram ball will make a pair of socks.